As a seller, you should know that curb appeal and updated kitchens alone won't sell your home. Believe it or not, your etiquette during the listing and purchasing process can have just as much influence on the success of your home sale as a remodeled bathroom or close proximity to schools. Buyers want to feel comfortable throughout their search. Unfortunately, if you practice poor seller etiquette, there's a chance your home could leave viewers with a bad first impression.

Our real estate agents want your potential buyers to have the best possible experience while touring your home. Here are a few etiquette tips sellers can use to ensure that they are making this process as comfortable as possible for the buyer.

1. Let the buyers tour your home without you.
   As excited as you may be to show off all of the wonderful features of your home, it's best to let a real estate agent give the grand tour. In fact, you and your family should kindly leave the property and allow the potential buyers the freedom to view the home on their terms. They'll fall in love with their idea of the home but not necessarily yours. By letting them tour each room alone, they are free to envision thelife they could have there.
   
   
2. Take your pets with you too!
   When we suggest that your family should leave the house during a viewing, we mean the whole family. Not all buyers are fond of animals and having them around may distract or negatively impact the viewing. Grab your furry friends (yes, even small rodents, birds and reptiles) and do your best to remove any lingering pet odors that might be present.
   
3. Accommodate them as much as possible.
   If a buyer feels inconvenienced when trying to view the home, they'll surely think that living there will be a hassle. Do whatever you can to make their visit as smooth and satisfactory as possible. Give them plenty of room to park. If there happens to be neighborhood construction occurring around your home, let the real estate agent know ahead of time and suggest helpful ways to accommodate their arrival. You can also make the inside of your home more inviting to the buyers by setting out refreshments and any important documents regarding home repairs, warranties, and inspection reports.
   
   
4. Do not speak with the buyers or the buyer's agents.
   Professionalism goes a long way in real estate transactions. The real estate agent you've enlisted to help sell your home has your best interest at heart. They will keep you informed with all the communication they hear from the buyer's real estate agent. However, reaching out to a buyer or buyer's real estate agent on your own is considered unprofessional and this behavior could jeopardize the success of your sale. Trust in your real estate agent and they will do right by you.
   
5. Be patient and understanding.
   One element of professionalism that cannot be overlooked is patience. Buying and selling a home are life-changing commitments for both parties and such important decisions require careful thought, planning, and reflection. Don't attempt to rush the process or force a decision on buyers, even when negotiating the sale price. Also, be understanding of the unique circumstances the buyer may have. The best result is one which meets the needs of both the seller the and buyer. Again, be patient and trust that your real estate agent will help you secure the best deal in the sale of your home.

For more tips on proper seller etiquette, contact us. Our real estate agents are here to help you make the home selling process smooth and successful!